A man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after a wicked and premeditated attempt to murder his estranged wife by setting her home on fire while she slept.
A Terrifying Ordeal
Nicholas Martin, 63, had been stalking his wife, Emma Martin, for several days before the attack. In the early hours of October 22 last year, he went to her home on Montonmill Gardens in Manchester, poured petrol through the letterbox, and set the property alight.
Emma Martin was awakened by the sound of the letterbox snapping shut, followed by the terrifying crackle of flames. As smoke filled the house, making it difficult to breathe, she desperately tried to rescue her cat, TC, who was distressed downstairs. Overwhelmed by the smoke, she was forced to flee upstairs and jump from a first-floor window to save her life.
Severe Injuries and Tragic Loss
The fall from the window caused devastating injuries, including broken ankles and a broken bone in her back. The 52-year-old spent months in a wheelchair and still requires crutches to walk. Tragically, her beloved cat, TC, perished in the flames.
Following the attack, Martin fled to the Lake District but was apprehended by police the next day at a hotel in Windermere. Officers discovered a petrol can containing fuel in his hotel room.
A History of Abuse and Final Justice
During the sentencing at Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday, November 10, Judge Maurice Greene described the attack as "wicked, planned and premeditated." The court heard that the couple's relationship, which began after they met on a dating app in 2019, was marred by prior violence.
In August 2021, during a trip to Scotland, Martin had subjected his wife to a vicious and sustained assault, dragging her to the ground and shoving her against a wall. Although she initially did not report it, she eventually went to the police last year. Martin was arrested and released on strict bail conditions, which included not contacting her or going to her address in Eccles—conditions he flagrantly violated.
Martin admitted starting the fire but denied intending to kill his wife. However, a jury found him guilty of attempted murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was found not guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour.
His barrister, Steven Swift, acknowledged that given Martin's age and the length of the sentence, he may die in prison. Martin was told he must serve two-thirds of his 30-year sentence behind bars, and an indefinite restraining order was imposed.
In an emotional statement, Emma Martin described her ex-husband's monstrous actions, which she said had "utterly destroyed and decimated" her life. She expressed immense guilt for having brought such a dangerous man into her family's life.
After the hearing, Det Con Zoe Bellis from Salford CID praised the victim's courage and strength, urging anyone affected by domestic abuse to contact Greater Manchester Police, where they will be treated with dignity and respect.
